James Ward has admitted that he is delighted to finally achieve his long-term goal of reaching the top 100 in the ATP world rankings.
The Londoner ended 2014 agonisingly close to reaching double figures before a disappointing six months at the start of 2015 left him facing the prospect of falling back into the chasing pack.
However, a four-set win over Jiri Vesely has seen him provisionally move into the world's top 90, as well as earn a place in the last 32 at Wimbledon, but the new British number three is keen to extend his run at SW19.
The 28-year-old told BBC Sport: "The top 100 is something that I have been trying to achieve for my whole career, just like every other player, and now it's done, people can stop talking about it every week.
"First and foremost though, I'm in the third round at Wimbledon. It's hard to put into words. It's something that I have been trying to do for a long time.
"The draw opened up a little bit but you've got to take your chances when they are there and hopefully I can carry on in the tournament."
Ward will play either Fabio Fognini or Vasek Pospisil on Saturday.
Darren Plant
